Ji Zixiu paused, his expression unchanged, and said, "I was introduced by someone as well."
"Who?" the young girl pressed.
Ji Zixiu raised an eyebrow and smiled helplessly, "Jing Yiyi."
He thought the young girl might lose some appetite upon hearing this, but Jiang Mian acted as if nothing had happened, popping another glutinous rice ball into her mouth.
Her eyes crinkled in satisfaction. "It's really delicious. In that case, we have to thank President Ji for selling his looks to get this meal tonight."
Ji Zixiu gazed at her face, his eyes deep, his voice husky, "Not jealous?"
Jiang Mian shook her head. "It's not that I'm not jealous, but I don't eat this kind of jealousy."
A mischievous glint appeared in her peach blossom eyes. "Let me think, that scene… Miss Jing must have said a lot, right?"
She cleared her throat and mimicked perfectly, "'President Ji, please try this dish. Is it good?' And then you had that blank expression, right?"
Ji Zixiu remained silent. Although the scene wasn't exactly like that, she had captured its essence.
Seeing his silence, Jiang Mian knew she had guessed correctly.
She propped her chin in her hand. "A Xiu, do you know how scary you look when you're cold?"
"Did I scare you?" Ji Zixiu frowned.
He was accustomed to doing everything without emotion, so he could stand at the best vantage point and achieve the desired results.
Jiang Mian shook her head. "No."
She couldn't help but smile. "Do you remember when we first met?"
Ji Zixiu froze, almost instinctively thinking she remembered their childhood, but he quickly realized she wasn't referring to that.
"I remember," he said in a deep voice. He had countless times felt fortunate to meet her again after so many years, and to be able to stand up for her in that situation.
"When you appeared, the whole atmosphere changed," Jiang Mian pursed her lips. It was an aura that had been cultivated over years.
"So cold... abstinent, yet so captivating."
Even without his intervention, Jiang Mian could have extricated herself. But it would have been a destructive battle. Then he appeared.
In a way that was utterly unforgettable, he captured Jiang Mian's attention.
Jiang Mian's lips curved, and she changed the subject. "So why did you help me back then?"
"I wanted to protect you. I couldn't stand to see you bullied," Ji Zixiu's voice was low, like the strumming of fine cello strings, sending a tickle to Jiang Mian's ears.
The leftover dishes on the table had been cleared away, replaced by a basin of hollowed-out gold-embroidered incense burner.
The scent was delicate and fresh. Through the smoke, Jiang Mian couldn't clearly see the man's expression.
But she could feel the sincerity in his words.
Jiang Mian stood up and walked to his side. Ji Zixiu's large hand gripped her soft waist, pulling her onto his lap. Jiang Mian shot him a playfully chiding glance.
The room was filled with the scent of sandalwood, peaceful and serene.
......
When they emerged, a light drizzle had begun to fall.
The server had been waiting outside. Jiang Mian felt a faint blush rise on her cheeks.
The server smiled and handed them an oiled paper umbrella. "Two guests, please be careful. We welcome you back anytime."
Jiang Mian took the umbrella and returned the smile. "Thank you."
Caught in the gentle rain, Jiang Mian felt as though she were in Jiangnan.
Ji Zixiu frowned, took off his grey coat, and draped it over her shoulders.
Then, with a natural movement, he took the umbrella, slung an arm around her shoulders, and said, "Let's go."
As they left the Bamboo Courtyard, Jiang Mian suddenly felt like walking. "I ate a bit too much just now, I feel like taking a stroll."
Ji Zixiu looked at her. "Alright."
He didn't mention the rain, nor that their car was waiting.
He simply agreed.
Jiang Mian took his hand, and they walked out of the alley, meandering along a small path.
Unconsciously, they found themselves in the central plaza.
It was only when Jiang Mian heard the whispers around them that she realized something was amiss.
She turned her head and whispered, "Could I have been recognized?"
Then, a hint of pride crept into her voice. "After all, I do have representative works now. It's only natural to be recognized, right?"
She thought that by turning her body to cover half her face, no one would recognize her.
Unexpectedly, someone gently patted her shoulder. "Jiang Mian, is that you? Could we take a photo together?"
Two young women, who looked like college students, stood before Jiang Mian, beaming with excitement.
Ji Zixiu's gaze fell on her hand, and the young woman quickly retracted it, finding him rather intimidating.
She asked timidly, "C-could we? I've liked you for a long time!"
Jiang Mian smiled gently. "Of course."
She turned her head, her smile radiant. "A Xiu, take a picture for us."
Ji Zixiu took the phone with a neutral expression. "Okay."
The fan hesitated, her excitement at being beside her idol overpowering the fear she had felt from the man's intimidating gaze.
Soon, Ji Zixiu handed back the phone. "Done."
The fan flipped through the album and whispered, "Just one?"
Jiang Mian smiled. "Then shall we take a couple of selfies?"
The two women exchanged a look and said in unison, "Okay!"
After taking the photos, the young fan glanced at Ji Zixiu and asked curiously, "Sister, is this your...?"
Jiang Mian raised her index finger to her lips. "Shh, it's a secret."
Her eyes sparkled, her smile captivating, immediately enchanting the two young women, who nodded eagerly. "Okay, okay... Don't worry, sister. We're your dedicated fans. We won't tell anyone!"
"Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, welcome," she paused, then whispered, "Sister, you two look very good together."
On their way back, Ji Zixiu clearly felt the young woman's good mood.
He took her hand, feigning casualness. "What did they say to you just now?"
A mischievous glint flickered in Jiang Mian's eyes. "Come here."
Ji Zixiu stopped and turned to look at her. "Hmm?"
Jiang Mian stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek, then quickly stepped back, looking triumphant. "I won't tell you."
Ji Zixiu suddenly smiled. "Naughty."
Jiang Mian didn't argue, tilting her chin up. "I can't walk anymore."
She was wearing a new pair of shoes today, to match her qipao.
They were beautiful, but they were also incredibly painful.
Ji Zixiu bent down and said calmly, "Get on."
Jiang Mian's lips curved. She hopped onto his broad shoulders, hugging his neck tightly, while holding the umbrella with one hand.
Ji Zixiu steadily supported her backside and walked forward at a relaxed pace.
"Am I heavy?" Jiang Mian asked, her warm breath brushing against his ear.
"Not at all."
"A Xiu."
"Hmm?"
"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"
Ji Zixiu's lips curved upward, but his tone was deliberately serious. "Come closer, I didn't hear you clearly."
A blush spread across Jiang Mian's eyes. She leaned forward. "I said I love you so much..."
Ji Zixiu turned his head and kissed her red lips, their breaths mingling. His voice was deep and gentle. "Good girl."
"???" Although he was the one putting in the effort, Jiang Mian was breathless. She lightly punched his shoulder a couple of times. "I'm not satisfied with that answer."
"Say you love me too," she commanded.
"I love you."
Jiang Mian froze, then the curve of her lips widened, and she burst into laughter. "Me too! I love you too!"
......
Hong Kong City First Hospital.
Song Xingjia finally woke up. His assistant stood by his side, exclaiming, "Young Master Song! You're finally awake!"
Song Xingjia shifted his gaze, the image of the car accident playing in his mind. He paused for a moment and then asked, "How long have I been asleep?"
"Three days... Don't worry, Mr. Song is fine. He just went home and asked me to notify him as soon as you woke up." The assistant was about to dial.
Song Xingjia raised his hand. "No need. Isn't the film festival coming soon?"
The assistant was taken aback, wondering why the young master's first question was about that. But he nodded. "Yes, Director Wang has been in touch. However, I've followed your instructions and haven't revealed any news to the industry."
Song Xingjia let out a sigh. "Call the doctor to come and examine me."
He wanted to recover before the film festival so he could walk the red carpet with Jiang Mian.
"Yes, Young Master Song!"
After a lengthy examination, the doctor stood by the bedside and said, "Young Master Song, you were quite lucky. The car accident didn't damage your internal organs. However, you'll need to rest in bed for a month to prevent any potential after-effects."
"What if I need to attend an event next week?"
"This..." The doctor looked troubled. "I'm afraid your stamina might not be up to it."
Song Xingjia nodded slightly. "I understand. Thank you for your trouble."
"It's no trouble to help Young Master Song. Rather, we should thank you for your annual funding and equipment donations to our hospital projects." The doctor said sincerely.
Song Xingjia smiled faintly, a hint of fatigue in his expression. "It's my duty."
The doctor tactfully added, "Young Master Song, please rest well. Call me if you need anything."
"Xingjia!" The hospital room door was pushed open abruptly.
Song Xingzhi's face was filled with relief. "You're really awake!"
Song Xingjia turned his head. "Brother."
Song Xingzhi walked to the bedside and sat down, unable to help himself from gripping his brother's hand. The room was now just the two brothers.
With no one else around, Song Xingzhi made no attempt to hide his anguish. "Xingjia, do you know how terrified I was? That car accident was clearly aimed at me. Why did you save me! If anything had happened to you, I wouldn't be able to face our parents in the afterlife!"
Song Xingjia's expression was calm. "Brother has always been in poor health. If I hadn't shielded you then, I would have been truly heartless. Besides, I'm fine, aren't I? Don't worry, I have a plan."
He knew perfectly well that the accident was meant for Song Xingzhi, but he was confident he wouldn't die.
If he had come out unscathed, how could he have drawn out those with malicious intent?
He slowly revealed his objective, and Song Xingzhi couldn't help but clap his hands. "Xingjia, you're truly my great helper!"
"Don't worry, they dared to harm you. I will never let them off the hook." He gritted his teeth, his usually pale face flushed with anger.
"If they dare to touch you, I will absolutely not let them run rampant anymore!"